1.

Greeting someone
Informal

Good evening!
Good afternoon!

Morning!
Hello, there!
Hello, everybody!
Evening!
Afternoon!

SOCIAL FORMULAS

Less Formal
You are just the person I want to
see!
The very man I was after!
Good to see you!
Formal
Good morning!
1

2. Starting a conversation

Formal

3. Introducing yourself

Informal

I hope you don't mind my asking,

but
I beg your pardon, but...
Forgive me for asking, but...
Excuse my asking...
Excuse me, but...?
Excuse me...
Excuse me asking, but...?
Do excuse me, but...?

Informal

Warm, isn't it?

Hot, isn't it?
Hello!
Less Formal
Windy, isn't it?
Terrible day, isn't it?
Starting to rain, isn't it?
Sorry, but...
Nice weather, isn't it?
Lovely day, isn't it?
Freezing, isn't it?
Cold, isn't it?

Hello! ... I'm...

Hello!
Evening!
Afternoon!

First let me introduce myself.

Excuse me!
Excuse me, my name's...
Allow me to introduce myself.

Less Formal
Hello? This is...
Hello? My name's...
Hello? ... speaking.
Formal
May I introduce myself?
How do you do? My name's...
Good morning!
3

4. Introducing someone

5. Answering an introduction

6. Attracting someone's attention

7. Asking how someone is

Less Formal

Less Formal

Informal

Informal

Oh, Paul, I'd like someone to meet.

Oh look, here's Mary. Mary meet...
I'd like to introduce...
Paul, may I introduce Mary?

Yes, we've already met.

Pleased to meet you.
I've been wanting to meet you.
Good to meet you.

Look...
Listen...

Formal

Formal

This is...
Let me introduce...
Have you met...?
Do you know...?
By the way, do you know each
other?
Allow me to introduce...

No, I haven't yet had the pleasure.

No, I don't think so. How do you do?
No, I don't think I do. How do you
do?
I'm delighted to meet you...
How do you do?

Sorry, but...
Sorry to butt in, but...
Excuse me butting in, but...

What's the latest?

What's new?
How's life treating you?
How is it going?
How are things with you?
Are you better?
How's life?
Are you well?

Less Formal

Formal
Sorry to trouble/bother you, but...
May I have your attention, please?
I wonder if we could begin?
Excuse me!

Less Formal
How are you?
How are you keeping?

8. Saying how you are

Formal

9. Thanking

Formal

Informal

Very well, thank you.

Quite well, thank you.
I'm very well indeed, thank you.
I'm extremely well, thank you.

Informal

That is most good of you.

Thank you very much indeed.
Thank you so very much for....
Much appreciated.
I'm very much obliged.
I'm much obliged.
I'm immensely grateful to you for....
I should like to say how deeply
grateful I am.
I should like to express my
gratitude.
I should like to express my
appreciation for...
I do appreciate ... very much.
I'm very grateful to you.

Surviving, thanks.
Still alive, thanks.
So-so, thanks.
Pretty fair, thanks.
OK, thanks.
Mustn't grumble.
I'm on top of the world, thanks.
Can't complain.

Thanks a million for ...

Great!
Cheers!
Less Formal
That is really nice of you to....
Thanks very much for....
Thanks a lot.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for....
Many thanks.
I really can't thank you enough.

Less Formal
Not so bad, thanks.
I'm fine, thank you.
All right, thank you.
7

10. Responding to thanks

Formal

11. Congratulating

Informal

You would have done the same in

my place.
No trouble at all.
It was the least I could do.
I'm glad to have been able to help.
I was glad to be of help to you.

Informal

That's all right.

That's 0. K.
Thank you.
Any time.
Less Formal
You're welcome.
Not at all.
My pleasure.
It's a pleasure.
Don't mention it.
Delighted I was able to help.

It was great to hear...

Fantastic!
Less Formal
Well done!
Congratulations!
Congratulations on...

Let me congratulate you.

I'd like to congratulate you.
I'd like to be the first to
congratulate you.
I must congratulate you on...
Allow me to offer my warmest
congratulations.
Allow me to offer my
congratulations on...

Formal
Please accept my warmest
congratulations.
Please accept my heartiest
congratulations on
May I congratulate you on...?
9

12. Complimenting

Formal

Informal

You're looking extremely

glamorous.
My compliments on...
May I say how elegant you look?
If I may say so, ... is quite delicious.
If I may say so, ... is quite charming.
If I may say so, ... are excellent.
I really must express my admiration
for...
I must say ... is really very good.
I must congratulate you on....

You're looking good!

You look terrific.
What a super...!
You are fantastic.
I love...! You look great.
I like...!
Less Formal
You're looking rather smart.
You look smart.
What a nice smart...
Those are very smart... you're
wearing.
... suits you very well.

10

13. Responding to compliments or

congratulations
Informal

Formal
Thank you very much for saying so.
It's very good of you to say so.

Oh! ... is nothing special really.

Flattery'll get you nowhere!
Less Formal
You seem very well yourself, as a
matter of fact.
Thank you.
Oh, thanks.
Oh, not really.
It's nice of you to say so.
I'm glad you think so.
I'm glad you like....

11

12

14. Saying sorry

Formal

15. Accepting an apology

Informal

Please, forgive me.

Please, accept my apologies.
Pardon me.
Pardon me for...
May I offer you my sincerest
apologies?
I'm sorry, that was entirely my fault.
I'm extremely sorry for...
I'm extremely sorry...
I must apologize.
I do apologize for...
I can't tell you how sorry I am for...

Informal

Sorry for...
Sorry about...
I feel bad about...
Less Formal
My fault.
I'm very sorry.
I'm very sorry about...
I'm sorry...!
I'm really awfully sorry for...
I beg your pardon.
I am terribly sorry...
How stupid of me...

That's 0. K.
Please, don't feel bad about it.
Let's forget it.
Forget it.
Don't give it another thought.

It really doesn't matter at all.

All right.
Formal
It's really of no importance.

Less Formal
Think nothing of it.
There's no reason to apologize.
That's quite all right.
Please, don't worry.
Not at all.
Of course.
It's really not necessary.
It's perfectly all right.

13

16. Leaving someone politely for a

short time
Informal
I'll catch you up.
I'll be right back.
Don't wait for me.

14

Formal

17. Expressing good wishes

Formal

Would you excuse me, please...?

Will you excuse me for a moment,
please?
I wonder if you'd excuse me...?

Informal

Would you give ... my best wishes?

Please, remember me to...
I'd like to wish you every success in...
I wish you success.
I hope everything goes well.
Hope things go well with...
Every success in...!

Less Formal
Excuse me.
Excuse me; I'll be back in a moment.
Excuse me, I shan't be a moment.
Excuse me, I must just...
Excuse me a minute.
Excuse me ... I'll be back in a second.

Say hello to John for me.

Have fun!
Good luck!
Have a good time!
Give my love to Mary.
Enjoy yourselves!
All the very best!
All the best!
Less Formal
The very best of luck!
Regards to...
Good luck in...!
All the best in...!

15

16

18. Responding to good wishes

19. Giving someone good wishes on I should like to offer you my best
wishes on the
a special occasion
occasion of......
Less Formal

Informal
Thanks!

Happy birthday!
Happy anniversary!
A merry Christmas and a happy
New Year!

Less Formal
Very many thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you very much!

Formal
The season's greetings to you! (at
Christmas)
Please, accept my best wishes on
the occasion of...
May I wish you a happy birthday!
Many happy returns of the day!
17

18

20. Responding to good wishes on a special occasion

21. Ending a conversation

Informal

Informal

Thank you.
You too!

Well, better to going, I suppose.

Sorry, I've got to rush.
Sorry, I must be off now.
I've got to make a phone call, sorry.

Less Formal
Thank you. And the same to you!
Thank you. And a happy New Year to you too!

I hope you'll excuse me, but....

I'm afraid I really must go.

Less Formal
I'm (awfully) sorry, but I'm meeting
someone....
Formal
It's been very nice/interesting
talking to you, but....
I'm afraid I must go now.
I must apologize, but I'm afraid....
19

22. Saying goodbye

Goodbye now.

Informal

Formal

Goodbye!
Take care. Bye!
See you tomorrow!
Lots of love, Mary.
Look after yourself. Bye!
I'll be seeing you!
Goodbye for now.
Cheers!
Cheerio!
Bye-bye!

Goodbye

20

B. COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES

Less Formal
Goodbye!
I'll look forward to seeing you soon.
21

22

1. Finding out about appropriateness

2. Finding out about meaning

Less Formal

Less Formal

Would it be too Formal to say...?

When would you use the word...?

When would you use the
expression...?
What's the difference between ...
and...?
What other words are there for...?
What is the opposite of...?
What is another word for...?
What is another way of saying...?
What is a/the word to describe
someone who ?
What does ... mean?
What do you call someone who...?
What do you call ... that...?

What should I say if I want to...?

What should I say...?
Should I use ... if...?
Is ... a neutral sort of word?
If I want ..., what should I say?
If I say ... is it more polite than...?
If ..., should I say ... or...?
How do you say that in English?
Formal
When is it appropriate to say,...?
Is it appropriate to say ... if...?
23

Is there a difference in meaning

between ?
What is the word for...?
I don't understand this sentence.
Can you help
me?
Does.....mean ... or...?
Does it make sense if I say...?
Does ... sometimes mean...?
Does ... have more than one
meaning?
Do ... and ... mean the same thing?
Can you use ... to mean...?
What does this mean?

24

3. Finding out about correctness

Is it correct to say?

4. Finding out about spelling

5. Finding out about pronunciation

Informal

Less Formal

Less Formal

When do you use..?

Can you give me an example for ?

Can you check my pronunciation

for me, please?
Do you spell ... with...?
How do you spell...?
I'm not sure if I've spelt this word
correctly?
Is this the correct spelling...?
Will you check my spelling, please?

What intonation should I use if I

want to
express...?
How do you pronounce this word?
How do you pronounce this name?
Do you say ... or...?

Less Formal
Can I say ?
Is that the right word?
Formal
Will you tell me how to use ...,
please?
Will you correct me if I make a
mistake, please?
Which is correct: ... or...?
Is this sentence correct?

Formal
Will you correct me if I pronounce
something
wrongly, please?
What is the right way to
pronounce this word?

25

6. Summing up
Informal
I nearly forgot...!

In a word
I think we ought to move on to...
I know what I meant to tell you...
I know what I meant to ask you...

26

7. Giving time to think

Informal
It's on the tip of my tongue...
What's it called ?
Now what was the word...?
Just let me think about this a
moment!
Just let me get this right!
I've nearly got it!
Sort of...

Less Formal
While I remember,
To summarize,
To sum up, ...
To put it in a nutshell, (then) ...
The point I'm making is
The basic question is
So what it comes down to is
So what I'm saying is
Just to change the subject
Incidentally
In other words

Just a moment
How shall I put it ?
How can I put this...?
Formal
May I think about that for a
moment?

Less Formal
You see
You know
What is he called...?
Let me see
27

8. Taking up a point
Informal
Sorry to butt in, but did I hear you
say...?
Less Formal
You mentioned ... just now.
What a coincidence! ...
To go back to what you were
saying about
Talking of
Surprising you should say so,
because
Strange you should say that
Sorry to interrupt, but

28

It's interesting you should say so,

because
That reminds me of...

9. Showing you are listening

10. Giving an example

Informal

Less Formal

Formal

Well, well!
Well I never! Indeed?
Tell me more.
Really! Really?
I see.
Fancy that!

Take ... for instance/for example.

Like ... for example.
Look at ...
Such as ...
for instance.
for example.

Less Formal

Formal

Oh, yes.
No!
I know what you mean.
How interesting!
Has it?
Does it?

To illustrate this point ...

To give you an example of this ...
An example of this would be ...
Let me take an example:...

To take up your point ...

If I may refer back to
If I may just go back for a moment
to

29

11. Saying something in another

way
Informal
What I'm getting at is ...
What I'm driving at is ...
All I'm trying to say is, ...
All I mean is ...
Less Formal

..., or better, ...

Formal
Perhaps it would be more
accurate to say ...
Perhaps I should make that clearer
by saying
Let me put it another way: ...
If I can rephrase that what I've just
said: ...

What I meant was ...

What I mean is, ...
That's to say, ...
In other words, ...
Basically, ...
What I'm trying to say is, ...
..., or rather, ...
31

30

12. Saying something again

Less Formal
What I said was,
I was just wondering ...
I was just saying
I was just asking
I said, ...
Formal
I was putting forward the opinion ...
I was merely stating the fact ...
I was just expressing the view ...

32

13. Checking if you are understood

Informal
Right?
Know what I mean?
Got it?
Get it?
Are you with me?
Less Formal
That's clear, isn't it?
Is that reasonably clear?
I don't know if I am making myself
clear.
Have I made myself clear?
Does that seem to make sense?
Do you understand...?
Do you see?

Do you see what I mean?

Do you know what I'm getting at?
Do you know what I'm driving at?
Do you know what I mean?
Do I make myself clear?
... if you see what I mean.
... if you follow.
... if you follow my meaning.
I hope that's clear?
Formal
If there's anything you haven't
understood, please,
say so.
... if you take my point.

14. Checking that you understand

Informal
Sorry, I'm not quite with you ...
If I've got the picture, then ...
Can I get this clear?
Less Formal
That means .... Right?
Sorry, I'm not quite with what
you've said.
So is the basic idea that ...?
So am I right in saying ...?
So ...?
Just to be quite certain about this
...
In other words .... Right?
I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand.

If I've understood right, ...

If I've got it right, then ...
If I understand ...
Does this mean ...?
Does that mean ...?
Do you mean...?
Formal
Would I be right in supposing...?
Would I be correct in saying ...?
So, if I take your meaning rightly, ...
If I've followed you ...
If I understand you correctly ...
If I follow you rightly, then ...

33

15. Asking someone to say

something
Informal
Sorry, I didn't get any of that.
Less Formal
What was the first word?
Pardon?
I'm sorry?
I'm sorry, what was that word?
I'm sorry, what did you say?
I'm sorry, I couldn't hear what you
said.
I'm sorry, I didn't hear ...
I didn't catch ...

34

Formal
Would you repeat what you said?
I'm sorry, would you mind
repeating ... please?
I'm sorry, could I ask you to repeat
that sentence?
I beg your pardon?

C. EXCHANGING INFORMATION

35

1. Asking for information

Informal
Have you got any idea ...?
Less Formal

I wonder if someone could tell me

...
I hope you don't mind my asking,
but ...?
Excuse me, do you know ...?
Could you tell me ..., (please)?

I'd like to know ...

Could anyone tell me ...?
Can you tell me ... (please)?
Can you help me?
Do you happen to know ...?
Formal

36

2. Asking if someone knows about

something
Less Formal
You know about ... don't you?
Have you heard about ...?
Have you got any idea about ...?
Has Mary told you ...?
Do you realize ...?
Did you know about ...?
Did you know ...?
Did Mary tell you ...?

Excuse me, do you know anything

about ...?
Sorry to bother you, but do you
know ...?
Could you give me any information
about (on) .....
please?
Are you aware of ...?

Formal

Will you kindly tell me... (please)?

Sorry to trouble you, but is ...?
I wonder if you could tell me ...

I wonder if you could let me know

...?
37

3. Saying you know

Informal
So Mary was saying (the same).
Less Formal
You have told me about ...
Yes, I know ... thanks.
Yes, I have heard about ...
Yes, I do appreciate ...
They say ...
That's what I heard.
So I've been told.
My information is ...
I've been told about ...
It appears (looks)...
In fact, I did know about ...

I hear ...
I do know about ...
I am quite/fully aware of ...
He has it on good authority that
they will come
tomorrow. (nearly certain)
Did you know about ...?

38

4. Saying you do not know

Formal

Informal

I'm sorry to say that ... is not

something I know
very much about.
I'm afraid, I haven't got that
information.
I'm afraid, I have to say I know very
little about...
I'm afraid it escapes my mind ...
I have to admit I don't know a
great deal about
I am not able to help you with your
request ...

I wish I knew ...

I haven't got the faintest idea
about ...
I haven't got a clue ...
I don't know the first thing about ...
Less Formal
I'm sorry, I really don't know ...
I'm afraid, I've no idea ...
I'm afraid, I don't know much
about...
I'm afraid, I don't know anything
about ...
I can't guess what ...
39

40

5. Stating something is different

6. Asking for detailed information

Informal

Informal

But her behavior doesn't ...

But it's not a proof. What I know ...
But you remember ...
I heard people say, that ...
It's a pity he isn't here. He would ...
It's pretty difficult to believe ...
Unbelievable! I thought ...
You are the first man to ...

Will it be 0. K. if I ask you to ...?

I'd love to know more ...
I'd like to get clear about ...

Could you kindly tell me more

about ...?
Can I find out some details about
...?

Less Formal
Can you add some more ...?
Formal
Would you mind giving it in more
detail?
We should clarify this matter, I
think.
I really want some detailed
information...
41

7. Asking to pass information

Less Formal
Would you mind telling him about ...?
Excuse me, could you just phone her
and ...?
Will it be convenient for you to ...?
I'd be most grateful if you could
remind him of ...
Could you pass this information on to
..., please?
Can you pass this news to ...?

Formal
Would you kindly convey this ...?
Will you kindly inform ... about?
Could you kindly tell ...?

8. Finding out about the source of

information
Informal

42

9. Asking for new information

Formal

Informal

Will you kindly tell me something

about the latest
developments?
I'd appreciate some more
information
concerning ...
Could you possibly tell me more
about ...?

Anything new about ...?

Where did you get all this from?

Less Formal

Less Formal
Who did you hear this from?
How did he come to know all that
...?
Did he happen to know ...?
Are you sure he is the right person
to say that ...?
Formal
Do you feel confident about ...?
Can you rely on his information ...?

Would you mind telling me any

news about ...?
Is there any new information on ...?
I'm sorry to bother you but I'd like
to know something
in addition to ...
Do you know anything else about
...?
Do let me know, please, when you
get some news
about ...

43

10. Asking to clarify circumstances

44

11. Saying the information is not

correct

Less Formal

Informal

What's the actual cause of ...?

What do you think about...?
I don't believe he could just...
Why did he ...?
Who was he influenced by?
What did he require that for?

Nothing of the kind!

I've never heard anything like that.
I don't think you are right.
I don't believe a single word of
what you are saying.

Your information is not correct.

I'm sorry, but you must be
mistaken.
I'm of the opinion that it's not true.
I might have misunderstood you,
but ...
Are you sure you are correct?

Less Formal
You are wrong.
You are not telling us the truth.
It's not right.
It's not correct.
I can't rely on it, I'm sorry.
Formal
45

12. Saying the information is

correct

It cannot be otherwise.
I'm sure this information is correct.

Informal
You've hit the nail on the head.
That's where the shoe pinches.
Right you are!
Less Formal
You are on the right track.
It's true.
I can't help believing this.
Exactly!
Formal
You can rely on this.
The information is most reliable.
47

46

I didn't quite catch what ...?

Can you repeat what you've just

said?
Can you prove it?
Are you sure ...?

Less Formal

Formal

Will you say it again, please?

Sorry?
Is it true that ...?
Is it definite ...?
I don't quite get the idea, I think.
Do you really mean that?
Do you mean to say that ...?
Do you believe that yourself?
Could you remember what you
said last time?

Would you mind saying it again?

Pardon?
I am sure you didn't mean that ....
Did he assert that?
Can you confirm the fact?
Am I right to understand that ...?

13. Verifying the information

Informal

48

14. Expressing doubt about the

source of information
Less Formal
I'm really in two minds ...
I think he doesn't tell us the truth.
I don't think we should believe him.
I don't think I can rely on his
information.
I can hardly believe that.
How could you believe (rely on)
such news?
How can he know that?
He would never say such a thing.
He is not the man to ...
And still I don't feel confident ...

Formal

15. Reminding and informing at the same time

There's still an element of doubt

about what you
say.

Less Formal
Do you remember that you are to ...?
I'm sorry to remind you of ...
Excuse me, didn't you forget to ...?
You remember you had to ...?
I'd like to mention ...
My request was ...
Do you happen to remember that ...

49

16. Adding more information

Less Formal

Concerning ...
As regards ...

To go on with ...
So far as you ...
I'd like to add ...
By the way ...
As far as ...

50

17. Asking if something is correct

Formal

Informal

Am I right in thinking/supposing ...?

Would you mind telling me if it is
correct?

Anything wrong with ...?

Less Formal
Is that right?
Is it true that ...?
Is ... right, please?
Is ... correct, please?
I'd like to check that I've got it
right.
Have I got ... right, please?
Could you tell me if ... is
right/correct, please?
Am I right?

Formal
To continue ...
To conclude ...
To avoid any misunderstanding ...
To add ...
Regarding ...
In connection with the above said ...
In connection with ...
51

18. Saying something is correct

Formal

Informal

Yes, I should like to confirm ...

I should say it is perfectly correct.

That's fine.
That's all right.
That's 0. K.
Nothing wrong with that.

52

19. Saying something is not

correct
Informal
It's all wrong.
I'm sorry, there has been some
misunderstanding.
If I may say so, you are mistaken.
I think this information is incorrect.
I really do have to correct you.

Less Formal
Yes, you're right.
Yes, that's right.
Yes, that's quite right.
Yes, that's correct.
Yes, ...
Exactly.

Less Formal
Sorry, it is not right.
I'm not sure you're right about ...
I don't think ...
I am afraid this is not quite right.
I am afraid it's wrong.

20. Correcting someone

Less Formal
Well, in fact ...
Well, as a matter of fact, ...
Surely, ...?
But ...
As far as I know, ...
Formal
In my opinion you should correct it.
If I may, I'd like to correct one thing
you said ..
If I may correct you ...
I think it might be more accurate
to say ...

53

21. Asking if someone is sure about

something

Forgive me, but are you really

certain about ...?

54

22. Saying you are sure

Informal

Less Formal

I'm a hundred per cent certain ...

You're absolutely sure about ...?

Really?
Is there any doubt about ...?
Do you mean to say ...?
Definitely?
Are you sure about ...?
Are you sure ...?
Are you quite sure about ...?
Are you certain about ...?

Less Formal
You can be sure ...
Yes, really ...
There can't be any doubt about ...
It's quite possible (probable) ...
It's quite certain ...
It's likely ...
I'm sure ...
I'm quite sure ...
I'm quite convinced ...
I'm fairly sure ...
I'm absolutely sure ...

Formal
Perhaps I misunderstood, but are
you quite sure ..
55

I'm absolutely certain ...

I think it is possible or probable ...
I have no doubt ...
I expect ...
He must be ...
Formal
There's very little doubt in my mind
...
There's no little doubt in my mind
as to ...
It's my conviction ...
I don't think there can be any
doubt about ...

56

23. Saying you are not sure

Informal
You see, if ...
You never know ...
You know, it's not so easy to trust...
I'm not a hundred per cent
certain...
I wonder if it's him ...?
How can I believe ...?

I don't think ...

He may ...
And still it's unlikely that ...

24. Expressing curiosity

Formal

I'd give a lot to know ...

I have some doubt about...

I can't say definitely ...
I am not convinced ...

Less Formal

Informal

If only I knew ...

I'd love to know ...
I'd like to know ...
I'd be very interested to know ...
I wonder ...?
I wish someone would tell me about ...
I wish I knew more about ...
I wish I knew ...
Can someone tell me about ...?
Can someone tell me ...?

Less Formal
It depends ... you know.
I'm not sure, really ...
I'm not sure ...
I may be mistaken ...
I don't think he could ...
57

25. Reminding
Informal
You haven't forgotten about ...
have you?
What about ...?
Less Formal
You won't forget about ... will you?
You will remember to ... won't you?
You will remember about ... won't
you?
You will give her my best wishes,
won't you?
Won't you forget it again?
Should I phone you to remind ...?
Will you, please, remember ...?

Please, don't forget about/to ...

It seems you said you were going
to ...
I'm sure you'll remember, but ...
I'd like to remind you about ...
I must just remind you ...
Could I remind you about ...?
Could I remind you ...?
Can I remind you ...?
Formal
May I remind you ...?
If you recall ...
I think, I should remind you ...
I hope you won't mind my
reminding you ...

58

26. Asking if someone remembers

27. Saying you remember

Informal

Less Formal

You must remember ...?

Perhaps you have forgotten ...
Don't you remember ...?

What I shall never forget is ...

What I remember is ...
I'll never forget ...
I'll always remember ...
I remember ...
I know: ...!
Now I think about it, ...
It's coming back to me now: ...

Less Formal
You haven't forgotten .... have
you?
Surely you remember ...?
Formal
Do you by any chance remember
...?
Do you happen to remember ...?

Formal
If my memory serves me right, ...
If I'm not mistaken, ...
I distinctly remember ...
As I remember it ...
If I remember correctly, ...

59

28. Saying you have forgotten

60

Formal

I'm sorry but I seem to have

forgotten ...
I'm sorry but I have to confess that
I don't remember.
Less Formal
I'm afraid, it escapes me for the
It has slipped my mind.
moment.
I'm sorry, I've completely forgotten I'm afraid I have no memory of ...
...
I'm afraid, I have forgotten ...
I'm afraid I forget ... now.
I really can't remember ...
I don't remember ...
I can't remember ...
Informal

Sorry, my mind has gone blank.

D. INTERPERSONAL INTERACTION
AND ATTITUDES

61

1. Talking about what might

happen

2. Asking how someone feels

before something happens

Less Formal

Informal

What if ...?
Suppose ...
Just imagine if ...
If only ...
If ...

Are you all right ...?

Formal
Provided that ...
On condition that ...
Let us suppose ...
Let us imagine ...
Let us assume ...
Given that ...

62

3. Asking how someone feels

Informal
Well?
Was it awful?
Hey, what about that?
Are you all right?

Less Formal
Is anything the matter?
How do you feel?
How do you feel about ...?
Are you worried ...?
Are you happy about ...?

Less Formal
You enjoyed it, didn't you?
What were your feelings about ...?
What is your reaction...?
What did you feel about ...?
Was it unpleasant?
How do you feel?
How did you react to ...?
Didn't you like ...?
63

Did you like ...?

Did you find it distasteful?
Did you find ... exciting?
Did you find ... enjoyable?
Did you enjoy ...?
Can I ask what your reaction ...?
Are you disappointed?
Are you better?
Formal
What is your reaction?
Wasn't it to your liking?
Did you find ... worthwhile?

64

4. Saying you hope

5. Asking for advice

Informal

Informal

Let's hope for.

Let's hope ...
Keep your fingers crossed we'll pass the exam
Here's hoping for success.

What would you ...?

What should I do ...?
What do you make of ...?
Should I ...?
How do you see...?
Do you think I should ...?

What course of action would you

recommend ...?
I would appreciate your advice on
...
I would appreciate some advice
on/about ...
I should like to ask ...
Could I ask for your advice?
Can you help me sort ... out?

Less Formal

Formal

Would you recommend ...?

What would you do if you were
me?
What would you do if you were in
my shoes?

Would you give me some advice?

Would you advise me to ...?
Which one would you ...?
What would your advice be?
What would you do in my position?
What would you advise?

Less Formal
We must hope for ...
I'm hoping for
I'm hoping ...
I hope.
I do hope for ...
Formal
I trust ...
65

What would you advise me to do?

I'd like your advice on ...
Can you give me some advice
about...?

66

6. Advising someone to do
something
Informal
You'd better ...
Why don't you ...?
It mightn't be a bad idea ...
If I were in your shoes, I'd ...

If I were you, I'd ...

Formal
If you follow my advice, you'll ...
If I were in your position, I would ...
I would advise ...

Less Formal
The way I see it, you should ...
Take my advice and ...
I'd ... if I were you.
I would ...
I think you should ...
I think you ought to ...
My advice would be ...
67

7. Advising someone not to do

something
Informal
You'd better not, ...
The way I see it, you shouldn't ...
It's up to you but I wouldn't ...
If I were you, I'd think twice about ...
I wouldn't ... if I were in your shoes.
I don't reckon you should ...
Don't just ...
Don't go that way/Go the other
way.

68

I wouldn't recommend ...

I wouldn't advise ...
I don't think you should ...
I don't think you ought to ...
I wouldn't ... if I were you.

8. Telling someone to do
something

Formal

Less Formal

My own advice would be ...

If you follow my advice, you'll ...
If I were in your position, I wouldn't
...
I would advise against ...

Would you mind ... (please)?

Would you ..., please?
Will you ..., please?
I have to ask you to..., (I'm afraid).
Come and see ...
... please.
... should ...

Will you be so kind as to ...?

I must ask you to ..., please.

Informal
I'd like you to .... (please).

Less Formal

Formal

Why don't you ...?

If I were you, I wouldn't ...

Would you be so kind as to ...?

69

9. Telling 'someone' how to do

something

Formal
You should follow this procedure: ...

70

10. Saying someone should not do

something

Informal

Less Formal

You do it like this: you ...

Watch. First you ...
Look, all you do is ...
Let me show you. First you ...
It's like this: first you ...

You needn't ...

You don't need to ...
You can choose for yourself ...
There's really no need to ...
There's no reason why you should...
I can't see why you should ...
Don't do it, please.

Less Formal
Make sure you ...
First you have to/should ...
First you ...,then you ...
The first step is to ...
This is how you do it: you ...

I leave it in your hands ...

I leave ... up to you.

Formal
You are not required to ...
You are not obliged to ...
You are free to decide for
yourself ...
71

72

11. Saying someone must not do

something
Informal

You shouldn't really ...

Whatever you do, don't ...
I don't think you should ...

12. Asking if you are obliged to do something

Informal
I suppose I've got to ...
Do I really have to ...?
Have I got to..?

You're not to ...

You're not really supposed to ...
You're not meant to ...
You oughtn't really ...
You mustn't ...!
You can't ...!
Stop! / Wait! ...
Leave that alone! (Don't touch, put
it down)
For goodness' sake don't ...!

Less Formal
Must I ...?
Do I need to ...?
Formal
Is it necessary for us ...?
Are we required to ...?
Am I expected to ...?

Less Formal
You'd better not ...
73

13. Saying someone is obliged to do

something
Informal
I think you're supposed to ...
I think you're meant to ...

Formal
I'm afraid/I think you are obliged to
...
I don't think you can avoid ...

74

14. Saying what you think you

ought to do
Informal

I feel it is absolutely necessary.

I feel it is absolutely necessary to ...
I feel it is my duty to ...

Sorry, better ...

Less Formal

Less Formal

Sorry, I must ...

I'd better ...
I should ...

You're expected to ...

I'm afraid you've got to ...
I'm afraid you must ...
I'm afraid you can't get away with
...
I think you should ...
I think you have to ...

Formal
There appears to be no
alternative.
I have no alternative ...
I have an obligation to ...
I feel obliged to ...
75

15. Saying what you think you

ought not to do
Informal
No, I'd better not ...
No way!
Less Formal
No, I couldn't possibly ...
I shouldn't.
I can't possibly ....
Formal
It would be wrong of me to ...
I feel obliged not to ...
I feel it is my duty not to ...

76

16. Asking if someone agrees

17. Agreeing

Formal

Less Formal

Informal

You don't disagree, do you?

Wouldn't you say so?
Would you agree with ...?
Is it right?
Is ... agreed?
I wonder if you would agree ...
Don't you feel ...?
Don't you agree?
Do you agree that ...
Can I ask you if you agree...?
Don't you think..?

Well, that's the thing.

Too true.
I'm with you there.
Dead right.

True enough ...

My own opinion is exactly the
same.
I'm of exactly the same opinion.
I don't think anyone would disagree
I agree entirely.
I agree absolutely with ...

Less Formal
Yes, I agree ...
That's what I was thinking.
That's true.
That's quite right.
Oh, exactly ...
I can't help thinking the same.
I absolutely agree ...
How true.
77

You must be joking!

You can't mean that!
You can't be serious!
No way!
Never!
I don't see why.
I disagree, I'm afraid.

I'm not sure, in fact.

I don't think that's right.
I don't know about ...
I don't agree.
I can't help thinking ...
I can't go along with ...
I can't agree ...
Do you really think ...?
But isn't it more to do with ...?
But isn't it more a question of ...?

Less Formal

Formal

That's wrong...
That's not the way I see ...
Surely not! ...
Not really.
No, I don't think ...

Personally, I am more inclined to

agree with ...
My own opinion is that ...
I'm not entirely convinced by ...
I'm not at all convinced ...

18. Disagreeing
Informal

78

I'm afraid I entirely disagree with ...

I see things rather differently.
I can't say that I share your view ...
I can't accept ...

79

80

19. Saying you partly agree

Informal
Could be, but ...
0. K., but ...
Less Formal
Yes, up to a point, but ...
Yes, perhaps, but ...
Yes, but we shouldn't forget ...
Yes, but on the other hand, ...
Yes, but don't you think ...?
To a certain extent, yes, but ...
That's all very well, but ...
That may be so, but ...
In spite of what you say, I think ...
I take your point, but ...

I see your point, but ...

I see what you mean, but ...
I don't entirely agree with .....
I can see that, but ...

20. Saying you are wrong and

someone else is right

Perhaps you have a point there.

Of course.

Informal

Formal

Formal

Yes, now I come to think about it, ...

Yes, I hadn't thought of ...
Yes, I don't know what I was
thinking of.
Sorry, I got it all wrong.
0. K., you win.

Yes, I'm afraid I didn't take that into

account.
Yes, I take your point completely.
Yes, I must have overlooked ...
My mistake ...

Well, while I agree with you on the

whole, ...
There's some truth in what you say.
However, ...
I agree with much of what you
say, but ...
I agree in principle, but ...
PRACTIICAL EXPRESSIIONS 151

Less Formal
You may be right ...
Yes, sorry. You're quite right.
Yes, perhaps I'm wrong there ...
Yes, of course.
Yes, I must admit you are right.

81

21. Asking for permission

Informal

Could I ...?
Do you have any objection to ...?

Let me ... would you?

Any chance of going out?
Less Formal
Can I ..., please?
Formal
Would it be possible ...?
With your permission I should like to
...
Is there any objection?
May I ...?
I was wondering if I could ...?
Do you mind if ...?

82

22. Giving permission

I can't see any objection.

Informal

Formal

Why not?
Sure.
No reason why you shouldn't ...
No reason why not.
It's 0. K.
Go ahead.
Feel free ...

Yes, indeed you may ...

That seems perfectly acceptable.
Please, don't hesitate to ...
I can see no objection to ...
By all means.
By all means do ...

Less Formal
You're welcome to ...
Yes, that's all right.
Yes, certainly you can,
That's fine.
Of course.
83

23. Refusing permission

84

24. Asking if someone is able to do

something

Informal

Do you feel capable of ...?

Are you capable of ...?

Informal

That's not on.

No way.

What's he like at tennis?

Is he any good?
Is he any good at ...?

Less Formal
Out of the question.
I'm sorry, you're not supposed to...
I'm sorry, that's not allowed.
I'm afraid you can't ...
I'm afraid that's not possible ...
I'm afraid not.
I'm afraid I can't let you ...
I'd like to, but ...
I don't think you should ...
I can't possibly ...

Less Formal
Do you think you can ...?
Do you know how to ...?
Do you know anything about...?
Can you ...?
Are you able to ...?
Formal
Do you have any experience of...?
85

86

25. Saying you are able to do

something

I can ...
It's not too difficult ...

26. Saying you are not able to do

something

Informal

Formal

Informal

Yes, no problem.
Yes, it's as easy as pie!
Yes, it's a cinch!
Sure.
I'm pretty good at ...
I'm not too bad at ...

I have experience of ...

I feel capable of ...

There's no way I can ...

I'm no good at ...
I'm hopeless.
I wouldn't know where to begin ...
I haven't the faintest idea how ...
You must be joking.
Sorry, out of the question.
Pull the other one.
Not likely.
No way.

Less Formal
I might be able to ...
I know something about ...
I know how to ...
I know ...
I feel able to ...

I've no idea how ...

I'm afraid I can't cope with ...
I don't know anything about ...
I don't feel capable of ...
I don't feel able to ...
I can't ...
Formal
I have no experience.
Sorry, I can't manage ...
I'm not sure I'm capable of ...
I'm not sure I know how to ...
I'm afraid it might be beyond me.

Less Formal
No, I don't know how ...
87

88

27. Refusing to do something

Informal
I don't plan to ...
I don't reckon I'll ...
I've decided not to ...
I'm not planning ...
I'm not going to ...
Less Formal
I've decided not to...
It never entered my head ...
I'm sorry, I'm not ...
I'm sorry, it's not possible, ...?
I'm sorry, I don't think I can ...
I'm sorry, I can't.
I'm not planning to ...

My intention is to ...
It is my intention to ...
I'm sorry to say it's not possible.
I regret to say ...
I plan to ...
I have no intention of ...
I fully intend ...
I don't intend to ...

I'm not thinking of ...

I'm going to make sure ...
I'm not going to ...
I'm afraid not.
I'm afraid I can't.
I'll make an effort to ...
I'll do all I can ...
I'd rather not.
I will not ...
I won't be ...
I'm not thinking of ...
Formal
Unfortunately ...
Nothing will induce me to ...
Nothing could be farther from my
mind than ...
89

28. Offering something

Informal

Do have ...
Allow me to pass you ...
Can I offer you ...?

90

29. Offering to do something for

someone
Informal

What's yours?
Could I offer you ...?

Want a hand ...?

Need some help, ...?
Can I help out?

Less Formal
Would you like ...?
Won't you have ...?
Will you have ...?
What would you say to ...?
What will you have?
What can I get you?
Please, help yourself to ...

Formal
Would you like any help ...?
May I be of assistance?
Is there anything I can do ...?

Less Formal
What can I do to help ...?
Shall I ...?
Let me ...
I'll do it for you.
I'll ....
Can I help?

Formal
Would you care for ...?
91

30. Accepting an offer of

something
Informal

92

31. Declining an offer of

something

Formal
With the greatest of pleasure.
With pleasure.

Formal
If it's all the same to you, I won't.

Less Formal

Lovely!
I'd love ...!

That's very kind, but I won't, thank

you.
Thanks all the same, but I
won't/couldn't.
Not this time, thanks.
Not for me, thanks.
Not for me, thank you.
No, thanks, really.
No, thank you.
No, thank you very much.
No, I really won't, thank you.
I'm not sure I can.
I won't, thanks.

Less Formal
That'd be delightful.
That would be very nice.
Thanks very much/a lot.
Thank you.
Yes, please.
Thank you, I would.
Thank you, I will.
I'd like ... very much, (please).
I can think of nothing nicer/better.
93

94

32. Accepting an offer of help

33. Refusing an offer of help

Informal

Informal

Lovely!
Just what I needed ...!

No, it's 0. K., thanks.

No, don't worry.
No, don't bother, really.

Less Formal

Thank you for offering, but ...

Please don't trouble yourself about
...
It's very good of you to offer, but ...

Less Formal

That's very kind of you.

Thanks very much!
Thank you.
Oh, yes, please.

That's very kind of you, but .....

Thanks a lot, but ...
No, thank you.
No, really, I can manage, thanks.
No, it's all right, really.
I don't think so, thank you.

Formal
You are most kind.
That's extremely good of you ...
If you're sure it's no trouble ...
I'd be delighted if ...

Formal
That's extremely kind of you, but ...
95

96

34. Asking for someone's opinion

Formal

35. Expressing your opinion

Informal

What's your opinion of ...?

What is your reaction to ...?
I'd be grateful to have your opinion
on ...
Do you have any particular views
on ...?
Do you have any opinion on ...?
Could I know your reaction to ...?

Informal

I don't think much of ..., do you?

Less Formal
What would you say to ...?
What do you think of/about ...?
What are your feelings about ...?
What about ...?
How would you react to ...?
How do you see...?
How do you feel about ...?
Have you got any comments on ...?
Can you comment ...?
What do you feel about ...?

You know what I think?

Well, I must say ...
I'd say ...
I'd like to say ...
Don't you think ...?
Less Formal
What I reckon is, ...
The way I see it, ...
It's my feeling...
It seems to me ...
I'm convinced that ...
If you ask me, ...
I think ...

I should say ...

I reckon ...
I feel ...
I believe...
From my point of view, ...
Formal
Personally, I consider ...
Personally, I believe ...
My own view of the problem is ...
It's my opinion ...
In my view ...
In my opinion ...
I'm of the view ...
I'm of the opinion ...
If I may say so ...
I consider ...

97

From where I stand, ...

As I understand it ...
As I see it, ...
As for my point of view ...
To my mind, ...

98

36. Trying to change someone's

opinion
Informal
You can't mean that, surely?
No, but look, ...
Hold on ...
Are you kidding? ...
Less Formal
You don't really think...?
Yes, but on the other hand ...
Well, think of it this way, ...
Surely you don't think...
Isn't it possible that ...?
Do you really think ...?
But look at it like this, ...

But don't you think ...?

Another way of looking at it would
be that ...
Formal
Yes, but if we look at the whole
picture,...
Well, I think others might say ...
I respect your opinion, of course.
However, ...
But there are other considerations.
For example,
But seen from another angle, one
might say ...
But if we look at it in another light,
...

99

100

37. Saying you have no opinion

Formal

38. Avoiding giving an opinion

Informal

I don't have any opinion about ...

I can't say I have any views on the
question...

Informal

Your guess is as good as mine ...

It makes no odds to me ...

Well, now you're asking ...

Can't say, really.

Less Formal

Less Formal

It is not something I've considered a

great deal .
It doesn't really matter to me.
I really don't know what to think
about ...
I really don't know what to say.
I really couldn't say, ...
I don't know.

Well, I don't know really ...

That's not my department, I think.
That all depends.
Perhaps.
No comment, I'm afraid.
Maybe.
It's difficult to say ...
I'm sorry I can't answer ...
I'm afraid you'd have to ask
someone else.

I'd rather not say anything about ...

I'd prefer not to say anything
about ...
I'd have to think about ...
I suppose it depends on your point
of view.
Do you think so?
Formal
It's difficult to give an opinion right
at the moment.
I'm not in a position to say anything
about ...
I'm afraid I can't comment on ...
I don't have anything to say on ...

101

39. Inviting someone

Less Formal

We should be delighted if you

were able to ...
Perhaps you'd care to ...?

102

40. Accepting an invitation

Formal

Informal

With the greatest of pleasure.

What a splendid idea! Thank you!
We'd very much like to ...
We'd be delighted to ...
That's really most kind of you.
That would give us great pleasure.

I won't say no.

Great!
0. K.

Would you like to ...?

Won't you ...?
Why don't you ...?
What about ...?
Shall we ...?
Do ...?
Come and ...
Please, do ...?

Less Formal
Yes, I will.
That sounds a very nice idea.
Thank you. I'd like to ...
It would be very nice to ...
I'd love to ...
I'd like nothing better.
I would, very much. Thank you.
All right then.

Formal
Would you care to ...?
We should be very pleased if you
could ...
103

104

41. Declining an invitation

I wish I could, but ...

42. Saying something is important

Formal

Informal

Formal

Informal

Sorry, I can't. But thanks anyway.

Oh, what a shame. I won't be here.
I'd love to, but ...

Unfortunately, ...
Sadly... However, thank you for
inviting me.
Much to my regret, ...
That's very kind of you, but ...
PRACTIICAL EXPRESSIIONS 155

Sure, it's most important.

It's something you should pay more

attention to...
It's of vital importance, no doubt.
It's of great value.
... is of vital importance in this case.

Less Formal
Thank you very much, but ...
Thank you very much for asking
me, but ...
I'm very sorry, I can't.
I'm terribly sorry, I don't think I can.
I'm afraid I've already promised to
... (But thank
you very much all the same.)
I'd like to, but ...

Less Formal
You shouldn't ignore it.
That's of great concern.
It's less important than ..., I think.
It's absolutely important, believe
me.
It matters a lot.
By all means you should be more
careful. It's really
important for you.

105

43. Saying something is not

important
Informal
What's that got to do with it?
That's neither here nor there.
That doesn't make a blind bit of
difference.
So what?
How does ... come into it?
... doesn't matter one bit.
Less Formal
You don't have to worry about ...
That's not the question.
That's not the point.
That's beside the point.

That shouldn't concern us at this

point.
I think ... is something we can
ignore.
I really can't see what relevance ...
has, I'm afraid.
I don't think that's important.
I don't think ... matters.
Does ...matter?
... just not the issue.
... is of no great consequence.
... has got nothing to do with it.
... doesn't really make any
difference.
... doesn't matter.

106

44. Asking if someone is

interested
Informal
Does it grab you at all?
Do you go for ...?

I wonder if you have any interest in

...?
Does ... appeal to you?
Do you share my interest in ... at
all?
Do you have any interest in ...?

Less Formal
Does this interest you at all?
Do you find ... interesting?
Are you keen on ...?
Are you interested in ...?
Formal
What are your interests?
What are you interested in?

107

45. Showing your interest

Informal
I'm a ... fan.
... is what grabs me/turns me on.
Less Formal
Nothing interests me less than ...
It has always interested me.
It doesn't concern me a great
deal.
I'm quite fascinated by ...
I'm interested in ...
I have a passion for ...
I find it very interesting.
I find it extremely interesting.
I don't find it so interesting.

108

I'm very keen on ...

I find it fascinating.
... intrigues me a great deal.

46. Saying you are not interested

Formal

That isn't my cup of tea, I think.

I'm afraid it leaves me cold.
... isn't for me.

Informal

My main interest is ...

It interests me a great deal.
I have some interest in ...
My particular interest is ...

Less Formal
It isn't all that interesting as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not very interested in ...
I find ... rather uninteresting/boring.
I don't find it very interesting ...
Actually, I don't have any interest in...

109

47. Giving reasons

Informal
Well, the thing is, ...
Let me explain. You see, ...
It's like this, you see, ...
He's dead right: ...
Less Formal

110

48. Promising

But the point is, ...

But surely, ...
... so that ...

Informal

Formal
I think there's a good case for ...
I think it is right for the following
reasons:

Well, you see, ...

Well, because ...
Well, ... so as to ...
The simple reason was that ...
The reason was that ...
The basic reason is that ...
If I could explain, ...
He's got a point. You see, ...

Sure I'll do it.

OK.! I'll ...
Fine! I'll ...

Less Formal
I'll...
I won't let you down. I'll ...
Exactly!
No problem! I'll ...
Don't worry, please. I'll ...

Formal
You may rely on me. I'll ...
I do promise ...
Agreed! I'll ...
111

112

49. Comparing
Informal
There's no way ... is better than ...
... has the edge over ... ( a little bit
better)
Less Formal
You just can't compare ... and ...
There's absolutely no comparison
between...
and ...
On the whole, ...
If you compare ... and ...
I don't see how you can talk about
... and... in the
same way.

... worse than ...

I consider it to be greatly inferior
to ...
... better than ...
Formal
I think it's not less attractive than ...
I don't consider ... to be in any way
more attractive
than ...
By and large, ...
All in all, ...
... is less valuable than ...
... is incomparably more interesting
than ...
I consider it to be superior to ...

50. Giving something to someone

Less Formal
The ... you asked for.
I'd like you to have ...
I'd like to give you ...
Here's ...
Here you are.
Here are your ....
Can I give you ...?
... is for you.
Formal
Please, accept ...
I have great pleasure in presenting you with.
Allow me to present you with ...

113

51. Saying what you want

Informal
Why can't I ...?
I've got to have ...
I'm really longing for ...
I should really love ...
I could use...
I could do with ...
... would just suit me.
... would go down well.

I'd like ...

I wish I could ...
I want ...
I need ...
I must have ...

114

52. Saying you have reached an

agreement
Informal
That's it, then...
That's 0. K.
So what are we arguing about?
Everyone's happy about..., then.

Formal
I very much wish ...

Formal
We seem to be in complete
agreement ...
Basically, we seem to be saying
the same thing.
So, we appear to agree on ... .

Less Formal
Well, that's settled, ...
That's agreed then.
So we're agreed.
Right, we agree.
We are agreed ..., then.

Less Formal
What I should really like is ...
May I ...?
If only I could ...
I'd love ...
115

53. Warning
Informal
Watch out!
Watch out for ...
Mind you don't ...
Mind out!
Mind ...
Look out!

Formal
I would be extremely careful of ...,
if I were you.
PRACTIICAL EXPRESSIIONS 157

Less Formal
Whatever you do, ...
Make sure you don't ...
Be ready for ...
Be careful of ...
Be careful

116

54. Asking about preference

Less Formal
Would you rather...?
Would you rather ..... or .....?
Which would you prefer?
Which would you prefer: ... or ...
Which seems better to you?
What's your favorite .....?
We could ... or ..... I leave it to you to decide.
The choice is yours, ......or .....?
Do you prefer ..... or ......?
Do you like ... better?
Formal
Which appeals more? ..... or ...?
Do you find ... or ... more enjoyable?

117

55. Saying what you prefer

Informal
Oh no, give me ... every time.
Less Formal

My preference would be ...

My choice would always be ...
I usually find ... much more
satisfactory.
I have a strong preference for ...

If it was up to me, I'd ...

I'd rather ... any time.
I'd rather ...
I'd prefer ...
I would usually choose ...
I prefer ...
I like ... more than ...
I find it more enjoyable than...
I enjoy ... better than ...

118

56. Asking about liking

Formal

Informal

May I ask if you are fond of ...?

Do you find it enjoyable?

It is nice, isn't it?

Isn't it fantastic to ...?
Don't you love ...?
Do you go for ...?
Are you keen on ...?
Less Formal
What are your feelings about ...?
Don't you like ...?
Don't you find it very exciting?
Do you like ...?
Do you enjoy ...?

Formal
119

120

57. Expressing liking

Less Formal

58. Expressing disliking

Informal

There's nothing I enjoy more than ...

I've always loved ...
I've always liked ...
I like ...
I enjoy ...

Informal

You can't beat ...

It is wonderful!
It is really terrific!
It is really great!
It is a lovely way to pass the time.
I'm very keen on ......
I'm very fond of ...
I'm head over heels about ...
I'm absolutely crazy/mad about ...
I really go for ...
I love ...
I do love ...
I adore ...

Formal
What I particularly enjoy is ...
It is one of my favorite pastimes.
I have a particular fondness for ...

There's nothing I like less.

I think ... is pretty awful.
I really hate ...
I never could put up with ...
I find it difficult to get on with ...
I can't stand ...
I can't bear ...
Less Formal

I must say I'm not particularly fond

of ...
I can't work up any enthusiasm for
...
... is not one of my favorite ...
Formal
I especially dislike ...
I don't think ... is particularly
enjoyable.
I can't say it appeals to me very
much.

There's nothing I like less than ...

I've never liked ...
I'm not really very keen on ...
I'm not over-enthusiastic about ...
I'm afraid I don't like ...
121

59. Saying you are willing to do

something
Informal
Why not?
Sure!
Right you are!
No problem. I'll ... if you like.
0. K.!
Less Formal

Certainly!

122

60. Saying you are willing to do

something under certain
conditions

Formal
Naturally.
I'm willing ...
I'd be only too happy to ...
I should be most pleased ...
I should be most happy.
I should be delighted.
I see no objection to ...
By all means.

Informal

I don't see why not, provided ...

I don't mind, as long as ...
Certainly, if ...
Certainly, but ...
Certainly, as long as ...

Right you are, but ...

No problem, as long as ...
Less Formal
Yes, though ...
Yes, but that depends on ...
Of course, but ...
I'm willing to, as long as ...
I'm quite prepared to, but ...
I'd be happy to, but ...
I suppose so, as long as ...
I see no objection provided that ...

Yes, of course.
Yes, I don't see why not.
Yes, I don't mind ... at all.
Yes, I don't mind ...
No, of course not.
I'm quite prepared to ...
123

61. Saying you are unwilling to do

something
Informal
I'm not keen on ...
I don't really fancy ...
I don't think I can/could ..., actually.
Less Formal

I'd rather not, actually.

I'd like to, but ...
I wish I could, but ...
I don't really want to ...
I didn't really want to ...

124

62. Showing optimism

Informal
You wait and see. It's all going to
be 0. K.
Things will work out fine.
It'll all turn out 0. K.
Everything'll be fine.
...'ll be great.
... will be wonderful.
... will be nice.
... will be good, I am sure.
... can't go wrong.

Formal
Well, I'm rather reluctant to...

To be frank, I don't think ...

Well, I think I'd rather not...
On the whole, I don't think ...
It's not that I don't want to, but ...
It'd be a little difficult ...
I'm not sure I can/could ..., actually.
I'm not convinced we should ...
I'm afraid I can't possibly ...

I feel quite sure about ...

I feel quite sure.
I don't see how ... can fail.
I am confident ...
Formal
I have every confidence ...
I am very optimistic about ...
I am very optimistic ...

Less Formal
I think you're going to have a good
holiday ...
125

63. Saying you are looking

forward to something
Informal
Looking forward to ...
It'll be nice ...

126

Formal

64. Showing pessimism

I'll have the pleasure of ...

I look forward to hearing from you
...

Informal

Less Formal
It'll be wonderful to ...
It'll be pleasant ...
It'll be interesting ...
It'll be good ...
I'm looking forward to ...
I'll be happy to ...
I'll be glad to ...
I must say I look forward to ...

No way ...
I'm not too happy about ...
I don't hold out much hope for ...
Fat chance of ... (no chance of)
Can't be done!
Less Formal
I'm wondering ...
I'm rather doubtful ...
I'm not so sure ...
I'm not at all sure...
I'm not at all sure about ...
I suspect ...
I rather doubt ...

127

I don't want to sound too

pessimistic, but I'm
afraid .....
I don't think ...
I don't really believe ...
He is bound not to be on time.
Formal
I'm rather skeptical about ...
I'm rather doubtful about ...
I'm fairly pessimistic about ...
PRACTIICAL EXPRESSIIONS 159

128

65. Saying you are worried

Informal
I've got the wind up about ...
I'm worried sick by ...
I'm worried sick about ...
I'm worried sick ...
I'm scared stiff of ...
I'm scared ...
I'm really terrified of ...
I'm really in a flap.
I'm really in a flap about ...

I'm uneasy about ...

I'm frightened ...
I'm extremely nervous of ...
I'm afraid of ...
I find ... very worrying.

66. Saying you are bored

Informal

Formal
I fear ...
... gives some cause for concern.

It really turns me off.

It leaves me cold.
It is deadly boring.
It is a total bore.
I'm sorry, but it rather bores me.
I'm fed up with ...
Actually it bores me stiff.
Less Formal

I don't find it very interesting,

actually.
How boring!
Formal
To be frank, I find it rather boring ...
I should like to say I find it
interesting,
I find it difficult to be enthusiastic
about ...
Actually, I find ... totally
uninteresting.

It looks rather boring.

I'm sorry, but I'm really not
interested in ...
I'm afraid I'm rather bored by ...
I don't think it is very exciting.

Less Formal
I'm worried about ...
I'm very anxious about ...
I'm very anxious ...
129

67. Expressing excitement

Informal
What a great idea!
Terrific!
Super!
Smashing!
Hooray!
Fantastic!

I'm very excited by ...

How wonderful!
How marvelous!
How exciting!

130

68. Showing relief

Informal

Formal
I'm really very enthusiastic about it.
I can't deny my enthusiasm for ...

Thank heavens!
Oh, what a relief!
Oh, that's a weight off my mind.
Oh, that's a relief.
Oh, thank goodness for that.
Less Formal

Less Formal

That's a great relief.

It's very exciting.

It is thrilling.
It is sensational.
It is most exciting/fascinating.
It is exciting.
I'm very fascinated by ...

Formal
It's a great relief...
I'm most relieved to hear ...
I'm extremely glad to hear ...
131

69. Showing irritation and anger

Informal
Why on earth didn't he ...?
What a nuisance!
That's the last straw!
Oh, no!
Oh, dear!
Oh no, what next?
I've had just about enough of ...
It really makes my blood boil.
It really makes me see red.
It really makes me mad.
It really isn't good enough.
I'm fed up with ...
I really hate ...
I can't stand ...

How irritating!
How infuriating!

132

70. Showing sympathy

Informal

Less Formal

That is a shame.
Oh, ... that's awful.
I know how it feels.
Hard luck.
... is a crying shame.

It really makes me angry.

I'm very annoyed ...
I will not put up with ...
Formal
It is most annoying.
It is extremely irritating.
I'm extremely displeased.
I must say I object to ...
I find it extremely offensive...
I can't say I'm at all pleased by...
I can't say I'm all pleased about ...
I can't say I'm all pleased ...

Less Formal
You must be very upset.
That's dreadful.
That is a pity.
I'm very sorry to hear ...
I'm extremely sorry to hear ...
I'm ever so sorry.
I am sorry to hear that.

How upsetting!
How terrible!
Formal
You have my deepest sympathy.
What a terrible situation for you!
Please, accept my heartfelt
condolences.
I was most distressed to learn
about ...
I was deeply sorry to hear.
I do sympathize, I assure you.

133

71. Persuading
Informal
You're not going to let me down,
are you?
Just this once!
Don't be like that!

How can I persuade you to ...?

Couldn't I persuade you ...?
Could you be persuaded ...?
Can't I persuade you ...?
But it's in our own interests to ...
The best course of action would
be to ...

Less Formal
Won't you ..., please?
Why don't you ...?
Please, let me ...
I really think you'd do well to ...
Are you really sure you can't ...?

134

72. Complaining
Informal
You've got to do something about
...
You can't possibly ...
Really I've just had about enough
of ...
Really I'm fed up with ...
Look here! You can't go around ...
Honestly, you're always ...
... just won't do.
Less Formal

I want to complain about ...

Can you do anything about ...?
Formal
Would you mind not ...?
Well, this is most unsatisfactory ...
I'm sorry to say this, but ...
I'm not at all satisfied ...
I'm afraid I've got a complaint
about ...
I wish to complain in the strongest
terms about
I really do object to ...
I have a complaint to make ...

Something must be done ...

I'm afraid ... its just not good
enough.

Formal
Won't you reconsider ...?
135

136

73. Encouraging
Informal
You're doing very well.
You're doing fine.
You have our backing on ...
We feel you should go ahead...
That's lovely!
That's good!
That's fine!
That's all right!
Terrific!
Lovely!
Keep it up!
I'm right behind you!
Great!
First class!

Don't give up.

You have our whole-hearted
support.

74. Requesting

Less Formal

You couldn't ..., could you?

Don't ..., will you?
Do me a favor and ...
Any chance of ...?

Informal

You can do it.

Well done! Now ...
That's most encouraging!
That's better than I could do.
I wish I could do as well.
Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do
better this time.

Less Formal
Can you ...?
Formal

Would it be possible for you to ...?

We should be most grateful if ...
I'm sorry to trouble you, but ...
If you could ..., I'd be very grateful.
I'd be very grateful if you'd ...
I hope you don't mind my asking,
but ...
Do you think it would be possible ...?
Could you possibly ...?
Could you ..., please?
Could I ask you to ...?
Do you think you could ..., please?

Would you mind ..., please?

Would you be so kind as to ...?
Would you ..., please?
Would there be any possibility of
...?

Formal
There's no reason to feel
discouraged.
137

75. Suggesting
Informal
What about ..., then?
Let's ...
Lets ... then, shall we?
I tell you what: we'll ...
I know, let's ...
How about ..., then?
Do you think it would be an idea to
...?
Less Formal
You could ...
Why not ..., then?
Why don't we ..., then?
We might ...

138

We could always ..., then.

Shall we ...?
We might as well ...

76. Threatening

Formal

Just you try!

Just don't ..., that's all.
Don't you dare!
Do that again and ...

Informal

You may like to ...

Would you care to ..., then?
May I suggest ..., then?
If I may make a suggestion:...
I'd like to suggest ...
I suggest ...
I should like to put forward a
proposal: ...
I propose ...

If you cannot ..., I shall be obliged to

...
If I were you, I'd ... or ...
If I were you, I wouldn't, or ...
I don't really want to say this, but if
..., we shall

Less Formal
Unless ..., I'll ...
If .... I'll ...
Don't ... or ...
Formal
You'd be very unwise to ...
If you don't ...,I shall be forced to ...
139

140

77. Expressing disappointment

Formal

78. Expressing surprise

Are you serious?

Informal

It comes as a great
disappointment.
I must say I had hoped for ...

Informal

Less Formal

You're kidding!
You must be joking.
You don't say!
Who'd have thought it?
Well, I never!
Oh, no!
No, I don't believe it!
Never!
My goodness!
Good Lord!
Good heavens!
Fantastic!
Fancy that!
Fancy ...

What a surprise!
That is a surprise.
Oh, that's amazing!
I must say it surprises me.
How very surprising!

That's too bad.

That's a real shame.
Less Formal
What a disappointment!
That's very disappointing, I must
say.
Oh, I am disappointed.
Oh dear, I was hoping for ...
I'm sorry to hear about ...
I'm rather disappointed about ...
...is a great pity.

141

Formal
I find it very surprising.
Extraordinary!
I must say he has taken me
completely by surprise.

142

May I assure you of ...?

May I assure you ...?
Let me reassure you ...
I assure you ...

79. Calming or reassuring

someone

Come on! It's 0.K. !

Cheer up!

Informal

Less Formal

Try and look on the bright side.

There, there! (while padding a
child - "no problem")
The best thing is to keep cool.
Steady on.
Relax.
Now, now take it easy.
Now, don't get upset.
No need to get so worked up
about ...
It's all right.
It is not as bad as all that.
Don't worry!

You really needn't worry about ...

There's really no reason for ...
There's nothing to worry about.
There's no reason to get upset
about ...
Please, don't worry.
I'm sure things will turn out fine in
the end.
I'm sure things will turn out all right.
I shouldn't get upset, if I were you.
Formal
You need have no fears about ...
143

144

80. Asking if someone approves

Informal
Is this 0.K. now?
Is ...all right, do you think?

Do you approve of ...?

Could I ask if you approve of ...?
Could I ask for your reaction to ...?
Are you in favour of...?

Less Formal
Do you think it will work?
Are you for ...?
Formal
You would be in favor of ...,
wouldn't you?
You are in favor of ..., aren't you?
What is your attitude towards ...?
Is it acceptable ...?
I hope ... has support.

81. Expressing approval

Informal
What a good idea!
That's just the job!
That's great!
That's fine!
That's a great idea!
Terrific!
It sounds just fine.
I'm all for ...
How fantastic!
0. K.!
Less Formal
That's the way it should be.
It's what I wanted.

It's very good.

It's just what we expected.
It's exactly what should be done.
It is just what I had in mind.
I'm very pleased ...
I'm very happy about ...
I'm very glad to ...
Good. I'm very much in favor of
that.
Formal
In my opinion, it is the proper way
to do it.
I would certainly give it my
backing.
I entirely approve of the plan.

145

82. Expressing disapproval

Formal

Informal

In my opinion, it's quite wrong.

I'm certainly not in favor of ...
I would find it difficult to
recommend ...
I should like to say how much I
disapprove of
I find it quite unsatisfactory.
I disapprove of ...
I certainly cannot give my support
to ...

It's all wrong.

I don't think ...'s very good.
Less Formal
Surely not!
It's wrong to ...
It isn't right to ...
Is it really necessary ...?
I'm not very happy about ...
I'm against ...
I really don't approve of ...
I can't approve of ...

147

146

SOCIAL FORMULAS
1